Kenya in January

Short dry season: good game viewing, green landscapes, Christmas crowds gone after the first week.

• Masai Mara and the south-west · Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nakurubest weather

  Migration herds in the Mara roughly Jul–Oct; April–May rains soften roads and close some camps.

• Central highlands and Nairobi · Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Aberdaresbest weather

  At 1,700 m Nairobi is mild; June–August evenings are cold, so pack a fleece.

• Southern savanna · Amboseli, Tsavo East and Westbest weather

  Dry and dusty; Kilimanjaro views are clearest early mornings in the dry months.

• Coast · Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamubest weather

  Humid year-round; the heaviest rain falls April–June and some coast hotels close in May.

• Northern drylands · Samburu, Laikipia, Lake Turkanahot

  Semi-arid and hot; short rains still bring green flushes to Laikipia.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Coast busy through the first week.

Crowds · Kenya

Medium

Prices · Kenya

Medium

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Masai Mara and the south-west

  Best weather of the year (Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nakuru)

• Central highlands and Nairobi

  Best weather of the year (Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Aberdares)

• Southern savanna

  Best weather of the year (Amboseli, Tsavo East and West)

• Coast

  Best weather of the year (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamu)

• Nairobi

  Warm, mostly dry; good month.